United through music & dance

Israel
and New Breed, the 2007 Grammy Award winner for Best Traditional
Gospel Album, captivated and electrified the audience when
they appeared at the 16th Annual Barbados Gospelfest.

Adrian Agard, Executive Producer
of Barbados Gospelfest recently made the announcement as he
presented an overview of the headline and supporting artistes
in the line-up for this year’s festival of music and artistic
expression in celebration of gospel.

“Israel and New Breed has
achieved a synthesis of music and message that is electrifying
and activating audiences inside and outside of traditional church
walls. Led by singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Israel
Houghton, they have amassed a legion of followers that crosses
generational and racial lines with music that has become an
integral component of worship in many of today’s progressive
‘now’ generation churches, and is in demand for
everything from film soundtracks to commercial jingles.

We are truly blessed to have been
able to engage them to minister in Barbados for Gospelfest 2008
as we continue in our quest to bring artistes who are able to
promote God’s life-changing impact in the lives of everyone
who comes into contact with the festival.”

Other headliners for Gospelfest 2008 were Shekinah
Glory Ministry of Chicago whose ultimate purpose is reflected in the
meaning of its name -- to usher listeners into the "very manifest
presence of God." Shekinah Glory Ministry is not comprised of
"recording artists,” but servants that worship every Sunday
as the praise and worship aggregate of Valley Kingdom Ministries International,
a non-denominational church in the Chicagoland area.

Christian Comedy featured for the first time in the festival with
the introduction of Christian comedian Akintunde, a thirteen-year
veteran stand-up comedian. Akintunde’s humorous musings on
the challenges of marriage and parenting in the 21st century, as
well as his clever observations about everyday life, have made him
one of the most popular Christian comics working today. Last summer,
Akintunde completed a 40-city comedy tour performing at churches
and venues around the US. In the past two years, he has performed
on the road to nearly half a million people amassing a solid fan
base and sharpening his wit.

The Barbados Gospelfest while maintaining a solid record of presenting
the top international artistes remains committed to the development
and showcasing of established and emerging Caribbean and Barbadian
artistes. This commitment is reflected in the choice of headliners
Bridget Blucher of St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Praise
Academy New Era dance troupe from Barbados.

Evangelist Blucher began singing at a tender age in the church.
On migrating to New York, her heart was set on spreading the gospel
through songs. She has a unique style in ministry, being able to
marry praise and worship with rhythmic Caribbean essence.

Praise Academy New Era represents a strong cadre of young dancers
in Barbados who have impacted the nation while securing three National
Independence Festival of Creative Arts (NIFCA) awards and winning
the 2007 National Independance competition against all comers. Praise
Academy New Era has toured Jamaica and St. Lucia and in 2007 was
sponsored by the Barbados Tourism Authority to represent Barbados
at ‘Barbados Week’ in Canada.

Supporting acts include Jason Mighty of Jamaica, winner of the
“It’s Time 2 Laugh” heavy hitter competition Christian
Comedian RodZ of the USA, and Roger Samuels of the UK, among others.

As a wholesome family-oriented festival Barbados Gospelfest incorporates
specific events that target children, teenagers and young adults.
The calendar of events for this year’s 16th Annual Barbados
Gospelfest is as follows:

Thanksgiving Service - Sunday May 18

HymnSpeak - Monday May 19

British American Sunset Concert - Wednesday May 21

Expressions of Gospel - Thursday May 22

Laughter & Jazz “Akintunde & Friends Comedy Night”
- Friday May 23

Youth Event - Friday May 23

International Gospel Night - Saturday May 24

One Awesome Day - Sunday May 25

The Barbados Tourism Authority partners with Barbados Gospelfest
to promote the festival throughout the Caribbean, the USA, Canada
and the UK. Interest continues to be strong in these markets where
special travel and accommodation packages facilitate persons visiting
Barbados for the festival. To book packages go to www.barbadosgospelfest.com
and click on the travel tab.

ABOUT BARBADOS GOSPELFEST

Barbados Gospelfest is an annual production of Gospelfest (Barbados)
Inc. Envisaged to be the premier international Christian music and
arts festival, Barbados Gospelfest promotes the life-changing impact
of God in the lives of all those that come into contact with the
festival. Now in its 16th year, Gospelfest features leading local,
regional and international Gospel artistes. It also provides a platform
for artistic interpretation of Gospel through dance and other expressions.
The festival is family-oriented and incorporates specific events
aimed at children, as well as teenagers and young adults. To find
out more and/or be a part of this awesome experience visit at www.barbadosgospelfest.com.

The Awards are an example of
the myriad talents we have in the bosom of the Christian community.

Barbados
Gospelfest was established in
1993 by the Barbados Tourist Board (BTB). The festival was
the brainchild of the then Minister of Tourism Wes Hall, now
Rev. Wes Hall. In 1995 the responsibility for the production
of the festival was passed on to the Gospelfest Organising
Committee made up of persons from the Christian community,
chaired by Barbadian event manager Adrian Agard. Adrian was
at the Flame Awards 2006 to pick up the sought after
Vision Award.

The event was divided into six presentations
covering various artists. Flame Awards are hoping that by rewarding
our Gospel artistes they would see the need to aim for excellence
in everything they do. CLICK
to meet the winners.

Making special guest appearances along with
the artistes celebrating 25 years of achievement are Rommel,
Allison Norville-Forde, Jesus Army, Praise Academy of Dance
(boys), Image, Sheldon Hope and Ria Greene CLICK
and enjoy!